We have worked hard to get Croydon’s finances back on track, following the legacy I inherited when I came into office in May 2022. We have balanced the budget for two years in a row, with government support for debt, and saved £21 million this year alone. But rising costs in homelessness, children’s placements, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) transport and adult social care are putting huge strain on council budgets. Despite the huge strides we have made in improving our council, like others across the country, we are now facing extreme financial pressures.

This week we have published our proposals for Croydon’s budget for 2025/26 and due to these pressures, the Council is forecasting the need for £98m in government support for 2025/26. This is in addition to the £38m required to support legacy debt.

I refuse to pass the cost of these challenges onto residents and, in line with my pledge, we are not proposing to increase council tax above the national referendum cap. Nor are we cutting frontline services. Instead, we are proposing to modernise our Council – making it more efficient so that we provide better services for residents.

Whilst we are doing everything we can at a local level to bridge these budget gaps, many of them are national issues and we are pushing the Government for fairer funding. The Government funding settlement for Croydon was very disappointing this year, which was barely an improvement on last year’s increase, despite the issues facing local councils. Furthermore, Croydon received £0 from the Government’s recovery fund whilst other councils like Newham received £11m and Birmingham received £40m. Croydon’s financial issues are partly historic, but we do need a long-term, sustainable solution for the financial pressures facing all local councils as a whole as well as Croydon’s legacy debt.

Despite all this Croydon is moving forward. With investment in regeneration, new technology, and smarter working, we are making real progress. The challenges are big, but so is our determination to secure a better future for our borough.

Fairfield Halls

I’d like to address some misinformation about Fairfield Halls. We have no plans to sell this iconic Croydon entertainment venue, and it is not on any list of Council-owned properties to be sold. At no time have we been instructed by our Government-appointed panel, or by the Government, to sell it. Instead, as agreed with our Government panel, we’re working with the operators to help ensure the venue’s success, now and in future.

Housing Association Partnership

It was fantastic to speak at the launch of the Croydon Housing Association Partnership (CHAP) on Monday, which is bringing together more than 60 housing associations and representatives from the sector. It is my priority to improve standards in homes and working with housing providers is an essential part of this. Together we can tackle challenges, increase affordable homes and raise standards for private and council tenants.

Urban Room Exhibition

I enjoyed visiting the Rangoli Floor Art Exhibition by internationally renowned artist Janak Chauhan, who came all the way from India to present this vibrant installation in Croydon. I want to thank Subrang Arts for making this exhibition happen, which will be on display in the Urban Room at the Whitgift Centre until Tuesday.

This space offers local artists and communities the opportunity to showcase their creativity and contribute to the cultural future of our town centre.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon